Workshop 1 (June 2-9):

Foundations & legends

Foundations is one of the most popular and critical workshops for art students. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned veteran, you will be learning from the industry’s most accomplished illustrators, painters and visual storytellers. Foundations is all about establishing great picture-making skills and observing legendary artists like Gary Kelley and Mark English do what they do best. The first workshop, Foundations is not just reserved for beginners, it also prompts experienced professionals to sharpen their skills and revisit the way they construct imagery. Between daily lectures, tutorials, one-on-one reviews, figure drawing, and sketching, students will work to complete a flat assignment to develop basic picture-making skills and advance their understanding of composition, color, and visual storytelling.

This is a serious masterclass workshop of comic book and sequential art. Bill Sienkiewicz is often credited with revamping the comic book industry in the 80s'. He’s continued to raise the bar since. In addition, George Pratt is one of the most respected painters and illustrators in the comic industry, having worked on some of the most iconic brands, such as Marvel and DC Comics. Between daily lectures, tutorials, one-on-one reviews, figure drawing, and sketching, students will create a compelling sequential assignment as they develop their visual storytelling skills.

Workshop 3 (June 16-23)

Editorial & Publishing Art

The opportunities in the editorial and publishing industry are rapidly evolving, advancing, and broadening. During the Editorial & Publishing Art Workshop, students will receive hands-on guidance from award-winning illustrators. Many of these artists work both digitally and traditionally and will share their seasoned wisdom.

The visiting instructors will present lectures, demonstrations, critique students one-on-one and in groups. In addition, all students will develop an assignment geared towards this industry that poses similar challenges and problems working artists often face on professional jobs for book covers, magazine features, and more. Three additional artists are scheduled to be announced soon.

Workshop 4 (June 23 - 30):

Concept & Character Design

The entertainment and concept art industry is one of the fastest growing areas in the visual arts industry. Focused on 2D illustration, this workshop tackles technique, skills, style, and portfolio development. This is also an opportunity to learn from some of the most hired illustrators in the concept art industry and a number of highly skilled character designers.

Wesley Burt and Karla Ortiz have worked on some of the biggest action films and video games of the past decade. Their professional work all starts with great drawing skills and a profound comprehension of illustration. This high-level insight is not just exclusive to digital artists. Critical skills 2D concept art for character design will be covered in-depth. World-renowned digital artist, Jon Foster also joins as an instructor and will share his lengthy experience with character design in a number of industries. Jon’s clients in the entertainment industry include MTV, HBO, and countless other. Students will have multiple opportunities to receive one-on-one feedback from each visiting artist.

This week is also critical for illustrators interested focused on industries outside of concept art, providing a steady stream of information on character development and visual storytelling. Between daily curriculum such as lectures, tutorials, one-on-one reviews, figure drawing, and sketching, students will work on a character assignment, given common parameters professional working artists receive regarding concept and character development projects.